Northern Vermont Relocation Guide

Union BankSeptember 18, 2018

Ranked ninth in the U.S. News & World Report list of “Best States,” Vermont has long been a state that both natives and transplants are glad to call home. “The Green Mountain State” is known for skiing, maple syrup, and organic farming. It’s also an attractive place to artists, perhaps due to the beautiful scenery and more relaxed lifestyle. Overall, people from a wide variety of backgrounds are drawn to Vermont for its tolerance, peaceful living, outdoor recreation, and vibrant small towns.

Now Vermont’s state government has created a program to attract tech workers and other members of the “Creative Class” to the state. The new bill, “Promoting Remote Workers and Remote Work Arrangements,” awards grant money of up to $5,000 per year for two years to any individual (on a first come, first served basis) who becomes a full-time Vermont resident while holding full-time employment with an out-of-state company. The grant program begins on the first day of 2019 and the money can only be used for relocation and working expenses. The politicians who crafted the bill believe remote workers will find their state an appealing place to live because “Vermont offers a certain quality of life: low crime, beautiful surroundings and affordable housing.”

As a Northern Vermont community bank since 1891, we also think our state is a great place to live or relocate to. We created this guide to help you make a move to Vermont, and to share all the wonderful things happening here, especially in the Northern part of the state where Union Bank is headquartered.

Quality of Life In Vermont: Why It’s A Great Place To Live

From cities like St. Albans and South Burlington, to small towns like Morrisville and Fairfax, as well as the state’s more rural areas, you’ll find a high quality of life wherever you choose to settle. According to Sperling’s Best Places, the median home price in Vermont is $195,700. This is much more affordable than the east and west coast cities many transplants relocate from. Median income for the state—-is also slightly higher than the national figure.

Once you’re here you’ll enjoy four distinct seasons including the beautiful fall foliage that draws “leaf peepers” from New York and elsewhere. Best Places also supports the claim that Vermont has low crime, ranking it more than 50 percent below the national average. As for the “beautiful surroundings” there are 150 Appalachian Trail miles in the state, which offer spectacular views of the landscape as well as the lush forests that cover the state’s mountains.

A more recent addition to Vermont’s trail network is the Lamomile Valley Rail Trail, which offers multi-use activities year-round. Upon its completion, the LVRT will cross the width of the state in a Northwesterly route. Like the C&O Trail near Washington DC or New York City’s High Line Park, the LVRT makes use of a former railroad track to bring locals and visitors together to enjoy outdoor recreation and support local businesses and restaurants. As such, the LVRT is a perfect symbol of the many pleasures and community spirit the residents of Vermont enjoy.

Considering A Move To Vermont? Here’s What You Need To Know

Vermont is a popular vacation destination, which is how many non-natives first experience the state. Sure, everyone is happier away from everyday life, which is why the prospect of moving to a recent vacation destination can be so alluring. However, you can get serious about relocating to Vermont. These helpful programs make it easier to turn your daydream into reality.

This “exploratory vacation” program intends to connect prospective Vermonters with “employers, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and potential neighbors in local communities around Vermont.” Choose a region and city to explore, book a three-night stay at a local participating lodging, and get ready to plan your escape from everywhere else to the beautiful Green Mountain state.

The Relocation page of the official statewide website offers many resources for new and aspiring Vermonters, including information on the Remote Worker Grant program we mentioned above. You can sign up for an email list to be notified when the grant application is live. Use the nifty Interactive Community Atlas Tool to find the perfect place in the state for your family to live and work. A color-coded map allows you to quickly scan the areas of the state where your industry is most prominent. You can even filter locations by such niche interests as electric charging stations.

Sponsored by the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, this moving guide from Vermont.org offers a $5 relocation packet with all the nitty gritty you need on the Lake Champlain/Burlington metro area. They also provide a directory of local real estate agents, rental units, and other information related to finding a place to live. If you’re looking to buy a home in Northern Vermont, check out our Mortgage Loans. As a well-regarded local mortgage lender, Union Bank has earned an exceptional reputation for residential lending programs and has been recognized by the US Department of Agriculture, Rural Development for the positive impact made in the lives of first time homebuyers.

The state government website provides helpful links to the bureaucratic tasks associated with relocation to Vermont such as changing your driver’s license and voter registration, finding moving companies, registering your car, and learning about utility services and local tax rates.

Ready, Set, Move to Vermont!

If you’ve read this far, we’re guessing you’ve been sold on all the benefits of calling The Green Mountain State home. As a longtime community bank in Northern Vermont, Union Bank is here to help you get settled. We are committed to caring for our neighbors and investing in the small towns we serve to make them great places to live. From personal loans to small business financing, our friendly employees will make you feel right at home. We can’t wait to welcome you to our community!